DANGEROUS: A plastic bag is used to cover an illegal connection. This can easily ignite a fire.
HAZARD: Burn marks due to an overloaded and tampered wiring system.
KUCHING: Sesco yesterday issued a statement reminding members of the public not to be tempted by offers to “reduce their electricity bill”.
With the upcoming festive season likely to rake up a higher bill, there could be people going around to offer services to steal electricity.
“Sesco strongly advises the public not to trust these service providers as they will tamper with Sesco’s approved wiring system, thus making it non-standard and unsafe,” said the statement.
“This is dangerous as it might lead to protection failure in the event of an internal wiring fault. This can cause electrocution to house occupants, damage to electrical appliances and fire to the property.”
Based on past experience, many of the tampering done was highly dangerous. The ‘service provider’ will use every means to steal electricity, and often tampered wire showed badly burnt marks due to overloading or bad connections.
Sesco advises the public to cooperate with their inspection teams as part of continuous meter inspection throughout the state.
Apart from checking the meters, Sesco inspection team will also check the main wiring to ensure it is safe.
The public can request for Sesco identification pass before allowing the technicians to enter their premises. If in doubt, call Sesco office to inquire if there is a meter inspection operation in their area.
Sesco reiterated that stealing electricity is a dangerous crime punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, and punishable with a fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of five years or both.
The public can give information on power theft by calling the hotline 082-443535. All information will be kept confidential.